Future Roster - Trade Needs

[CATS44]

Personally, I think a lot of folks are overlooking Freeman.

IMO hit tool is the biggest predictor of future success, and the Indians have targeted that in recent drafts and international signings.

Freemans is off the charts. His K rate is under 10%. His swing and miss rate is a little over 3%. Think Michael Brantley.

I've seen enough of our big time prospects who cant hit a baseball.

So, with Freeman and a half dozen other MIFs in the pipeline, I dont see the FO shopping for a long term fix at 2B/SS, unless its a Gavin Lux type.

I also don't see spending significant assets on a 1B prospect. In today's baseball world, there are always 1Bs floating around, and most 3Bs are capable of making the transition. Almost every 1B we've had in the past 30 yrs began as a 3B.

Thome, Santana, and Blake began as 3Bs. Victor began as a catcher. There is no reason to think that Jones couldn't make the switch, if that was where the opening was.

If the Indians are gonna trade, my guess is that the obvious target is a MLB ready impact bat in the OF that is a better than average defender...perhaps more than capable in center. (Thats not news...lol)

Other than that, the targets should be IMPACT at any position and starting pitching. Excess starting pitching is money in the bank and can get you anything that you want any time you need it.

 

[Derek]

Personally, I think a lot of folks are overlooking Freeman.

IMO hit tool is the biggest predictor of future success, and the Indians have targeted that in recent drafts and international signings.

Freemans is off the charts. His K rate is under 10%. His swing and miss rate is a little over 3%. Think Michael Brantley.

I've seen enough of our big time prospects who cant hit a baseball.

So, with Freeman and a half dozen other MIFs in the pipeline, I dont see the FO shopping for a long term fix at 2B/SS, unless its a Gavin Lux type.

I also don't see spending significant assets on a 1B prospect. In today's baseball world, there are always 1Bs floating around, and most 3Bs are capable of making the transition. Almost every 1B we've had in the past 30 yrs began as a 3B.

Thome, Santana, and Blake began as 3Bs. Victor began as a catcher. There is no reason to think that Jones couldn't make the switch, if that was where the opening was.

If the Indians are gonna trade, my guess is that the obvious target is a MLB ready impact bat in the OF that is a better than average defender...perhaps more than capable in center. (Thats not news...lol)

Other than that, the targets should be IMPACT at any position and starting pitching. Excess starting pitching is money in the bank and can get you anything that you want any time you need it.

Love Freeman. I think he has an extremely high floor.

The upside is limited though until he develops a little more power, or starts to walk more. Reminds me of Arraez a little bit in that regard.

 

[LL3]

Who does not like Freeman?!? Let's get names on these people so we can give them a wide berth!

 

[Criznit]

Love Freeman. I think he has an extremely high floor.

The upside is limited though until he develops a little more power, or starts to walk more. Reminds me of Arraez a little bit in that regard.

I think Freeman gets knocked for a lack of power a bit unfairly. He isn't hitting it over the fence that much, but he racks up the doubles. As for lack of walks, he does get hit by pitches a lot, similar to a Guyer type. Still quite young, so he could develop some homer pop overnight or never.. He has some speed on the bases, if he can improve on this as well, a very solid to plus player maybe in the making.

Thoughts on the M's Kyle Lewis? Would they sell high on him? Would we buy at a premium?

 

[LL3]

I think Freeman gets knocked for a lack of power a bit unfairly. He isn't hitting it over the fence that much, but he racks up the doubles. As for lack of walks, he does get hit by pitches a lot, similar to a Guyer type. Still quite young, so he could develop some homer pop overnight or never.. He has some speed on the bases, if he can improve on this as well, a very solid to plus player maybe in the making.

Thoughts on the M's Kyle Lewis? Would they sell high on him? Would we buy at a premium?

Hard to imagine Mariners wanting to move Kyle Lewis, super cheap, super productive, and not surprisingly, a fan favorite. Anything's possible, but....?

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

Since the Indians selected [Nolan] Jones in the second round of the 2016 amateur draft, [John] McDonald has worked closely with him on his defense at third base.

And that’s where the Indians are confident he’ll remain.

“I know that he knows he’s come a long way over these last four years,” McDonald said....“We’ve seen major strides defensively,” Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. “We feel like he’s a really good defender over there...This is a kid with a big future in front of him.” - Zack Meisel, The Athletic

By the way, Fangraphs has Bo Naylor ranked as the 7th best catching prospect in baseball. The #2 guy, Jeffers, is playing with the Twins right now.

 

[xmasbuck]

I think Freeman gets knocked for a lack of power a bit unfairly. He isn't hitting it over the fence that much, but he racks up the doubles. As for lack of walks, he does get hit by pitches a lot, similar to a Guyer type. Still quite young, so he could develop some homer pop overnight or never.. He has some speed on the bases, if he can improve on this as well, a very solid to plus player maybe in the making.

Thoughts on the M's Kyle Lewis? Would they sell high on him? Would we buy at a premium?

isnt the assumption that freeman will add a little muscle and grow into his power? he just turned 21 so there's some time ----sure wish he was playing at akron this season (but same for all minor leaguers)

 

[Derek]

I think Freeman gets knocked for a lack of power a bit unfairly. He isn't hitting it over the fence that much, but he racks up the doubles. As for lack of walks, he does get hit by pitches a lot, similar to a Guyer type. Still quite young, so he could develop some homer pop overnight or never.. He has some speed on the bases, if he can improve on this as well, a very solid to plus player maybe in the making.

Thoughts on the M's Kyle Lewis? Would they sell high on him? Would we buy at a premium?

I'm not knocking him. I'm just stating where he is and where he needs to make improvements. Good hit tool, but needs to show more power and plate discipline to raise his ceiling.

 

[sportscoach]

Since the Indians selected [Nolan] Jones in the second round of the 2016 amateur draft, [John] McDonald has worked closely with him on his defense at third base.

And that’s where the Indians are confident he’ll remain.

“I know that he knows he’s come a long way over these last four years,” McDonald said....“We’ve seen major strides defensively,” Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. “We feel like he’s a really good defender over there...This is a kid with a big future in front of him.” - Zack Meisel, The Athletic

By the way, Fangraphs has Bo Naylor ranked as the 7th best catching prospect in baseball. The #2 guy, Jeffers, is playing with the Twins right now.

My issue is the fact, who is behind Naylor as a catching prospect in the organization? We brought in at least 4 catchers from outside the organization just to fill in the backup spot and upper minors since we traded Gomes and Haase.

I am really hoping for a legit catcher in a trade. (In any of the baseball games, thats the first thing I do with our Indians roster, is find us more catching talent). I am not saying we have to get a top prospect catcher, but someone like Rortvedt from Minnesota who is a similar mold to Roberto would be nice to have since Roberto is on the north side of 31 and has had some injury issues.

 

[Gson]

I think Freeman gets knocked for a lack of power a bit unfairly. He isn't hitting it over the fence that much, but he racks up the doubles. As for lack of walks, he does get hit by pitches a lot, similar to a Guyer type. Still quite young, so he could develop some homer pop overnight or never.. He has some speed on the bases, if he can improve on this as well, a very solid to plus player maybe in the making.

Thoughts on the M's Kyle Lewis? Would they sell high on him? Would we buy at a premium?

Kyle Lewis had the same kind of profile as Benson.. long and lean.. supreme/uber-athletic.. tool shed filled to dream on... long levers.. lots and lots of power.. Lewis' clicked.. Benson didn't.. Seattle isn't trading him.. but.. it's DiPoto.. so, never say never..

 

[Gson]

Dodger's already thin starting staff.. just saw Walker Buehler go on the IL.. blister.. Dodgers as a trade partner..seems to always work out for the tribe.. thoughts?..

 

[Criznit]

My issue is the fact, who is behind Naylor as a catching prospect in the organization? We brought in at least 4 catchers from outside the organization just to fill in the backup spot and upper minors since we traded Gomes and Haase.

I am really hoping for a legit catcher in a trade. (In any of the baseball games, thats the first thing I do with our Indians roster, is find us more catching talent). I am not saying we have to get a top prospect catcher, but someone like Rortvedt from Minnesota who is a similar mold to Roberto would be nice to have since Roberto is on the north side of 31 and has had some injury issues.

Though he still has A LOT to prove... Bryan Lavastida is a fringe (say our #20?) prospect and was/is definitely rising. Upper levels are devoid of anybody, so if we trade big, I hope OF and/or C are the target.

 

[petes999]

Just don't see Dodgers as a team with a big need. Sure, Buehler is IR but will be back in a few weeks. And, they have May who is coming on strong. And, their 6th man Gonsolin is a young kid as well who isn't getting the strike outs but has a low WHIP (was sent down just as Stripling and Urias where ahead of him but now will be given another shot). If we trade them Clevinger, they will probably want us to take on Stripling -- uhh noo! Clevinger would put them over the top ... but it isn't a super need -- Lindor maybe a better fit there.

Dodgers can use another bat versus another pitcher. They had a great lineup with a lot of flexibility (guys who can play multiple positions). But with the DH now (mainly Pollack), they just didn't have an extra bat. Thus, Hernandez is utility type guy is their starting 2nd baseman. And, Seager is playing great so Lindor type trade is overkill. They may just find a 1st/2nd baseman from the non-contenders (as Muncy can play either).

They have some pitching that will be good (Graterol and Gray) that can be traded and have some catching that we can use in Ruiz ... but no extra bats close enough for us in OF and only bats are a wait for (Busch/Hoese) as Lux is probably off limits (and like Freeman -- can do SS but better at 2nd long term?).

Just doesn't quite line up well enough. Atlanta has bigger needs that line up.

 

[petes999]

Sorry, I am going to get shot for this .... Yet, I still see the Frazier and Andujar rumors on Twitter and get sick (not enough). But, then after our discussions for Santana last night and Chris still coming out again and saying finances are a mess with COVID thus may affects the trade market, something clicked. I wouldn't approve but if the first domino falls, then the writing is on the wall...

I just don't buy Cleveland is not going to do a substantial payroll dump again. I think the Dolans are cash strapped as they look at this as a money maker investment and Chris said they are losing a lot.

If Clevinger goes to NY for Frazier, Andujar, maybe 2 of Schmidt or Garcia or Dominquez (okay probably too much) but we need something else substantial (maybe sub in Gill or Vizcaino for one) ...

If the Indians have Andujar included to play first and ship Santana off to Dodgers (to push Muncy to 2nd) and then we can get maybe a Ruiz (if we add something) or Cartaya (but only in Rookie ball) for our catcher needs. I wouldn't expect much for Santana for a full year at $17.5 million but when payroll is 1/3 for this season and 1/2 way through ... it is more like $3-$4 million for a playoff run that is a good asset.

Then the question is Lindor but it still is trade him now or offseason. Yet, that is cutting $18 mill for Santana and $6-8 million for Clevinger (from $4 million this season). What is Chris's budget?

Like I said .. I much prefer looking for a cheaper 1st base option next year (to push Santana into renegotiating a $10-12 million contract). Trade Clevinger to Atlanta for Pache/Waters and a top near ready pitcher (Wilson or Mueller) and maybe a catcher prospect (Contreras or Langeliers). This and other trade solve same issues (rather have Waters vs Fraiser as Waters can play CF) ... one is just the cheaper option.

I love to have Santana back but at $17 million ... if I was GM of LA or NY .. okay but not a small market club if owners are looking to make up for losses.

(But before someone kills me ... Andujar has never played 1st even in minors... thus hard to do this year .... but it is something that can be picked up in the offseason -- So Santana and Lindor stay).

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

That's a lot of moving parts and variables, Pete. Let me try to paint in broad strokes.

I tend to agree that a lot will be done to cut salaries. Lindor will be traded for sure. I think that with the emergence of Karinchak and Maton as well as Clase's return the Indians will not exercise Hand's $10 million option. I also doubt they will pick up Santana's $17.5 million option and will try to negotiate a contract for a lesser amount.

Those three moves will free up a ton of money and bring in some exciting young talent in the Lindor deal. Clevinger will be up for arbitration. He made $4 million (for 162 games) this year and I don't know if he will get a big raise next year. He's proven to be an injury risk. I could see Clevinger on the Indians next year although it's possible they could move him if they get an offer than blows them away.

Domingo Santana's $5 million team option will be declined.

We could end up with basically the same team as this year minus Lindor and Hand while reducing payroll substantially.

I could see a rotation of Bieber, Clevinger, Civale, Plesac, and McKenzie with a bullpen core of Carrasco, Wittgren, Maton, Clase, and Karinchak. That would be an amazing staff. We'd have to use the financial savings to sign a shortstop similar to the Cesar Hernandez signing of this year. That team would win a lot of games.